Gaza, Palestine – In a resolute stand for Palestinian sovereignty and security, the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has unequivocally rejected a US-backed proposal for its disarmament, denouncing it as a treacherous “trap” designed to destabilize the Gaza Strip and ignite internal conflict. This firm stance comes amidst ongoing and egregious violations by the Zionist regime, which continue to undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement.
Palestinian sources intimately involved in the discussions have revealed to Middle East Eye that Hamas views the plan, presented by the so-called “Board of Peace,” as a sinister scheme to disarm the legitimate resistance while leaving the Palestinian people vulnerable to Israeli aggression and the machinations of Israeli-backed armed gangs. Such a move, they assert, would be nothing short of “collective suicide” for the Palestinian resistance.
A Deceptive Disarmament Plan Amidst Israeli Atrocities
The proposal, championed by Nickolay Mladenov, the “Board of Peace” High Representative for Gaza, primarily focuses on pressuring Hamas to relinquish its weapons. However, critical concerns have been raised that this plan deliberately ignores the armed gangs operating under direct Israeli command within Gaza, thereby creating a dangerous power vacuum that would serve Zionist interests.
“Hamas completely rejects this,” a Gaza-based source affirmed, highlighting the even stronger opposition within its military wing, the Qassam Brigades, which views disarmament as an existential threat. “They know that giving up their weapons is not an option and will not happen.”
The resistance movement fears that this proposal is a deliberate attempt to weaken Palestinian defenses, allowing the Zionist entity to further its agenda of displacement and control. “The aim is that disarmament would lead to greater instability, prompting more people to leave Gaza,” one source explained. “It is a way to drain the Strip of its population.”
Unacceptable Conditions and Continued Israeli Violations
Another deeply troubling aspect of the proposed deal is the demand for the removal of 20,000 Palestinian civil servants – effectively the entire administrative backbone of Gaza. This move is seen as a catastrophic attempt to dismantle Palestinian governance and create chaos.
“This would be a complete disaster for any society,” a source stated. “You are talking about 20,000 people losing their jobs – individuals with the experience needed to run the Strip and manage its challenges. Replacing 20,000 civil servants in this way is simply illogical and destructive.”
Hamas officials have consistently reiterated that the Zionist regime must fully adhere to the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, signed in October last year, before any discussions regarding a second phase, including disarmament, can even begin. This agreement was intended to halt the two-year genocide in which the Zionist entity brutally murdered 72,000 Palestinians and systematically starved Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants.
Under the terms, the Zionist regime was obligated to lift restrictions on aid entry, allowing up to 600 trucks daily carrying essential supplies. Yet, Israel has flagrantly violated these terms, maintaining a cruel blockade that exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe. Furthermore, Zionist forces have continued their murderous rampage, killing over 700 Palestinians since the ceasefire was supposedly agreed upon.
Coercive Negotiations and External Pressures
The recent talks, described as tense and fraught, have seen the US and its allies exert immense pressure on Hamas. Mladenov reportedly presented the plan as a “take-it-or-leave-it” ultimatum, implicitly threatening a resumption of full-scale war if rejected. During one meeting, Hamas was reportedly given a mere 48-hour deadline to respond.
The presence of US Major General Jasper Jeffers and senior US adviser Aryeh Lightstone in subsequent sessions, uncoordinated with the Hamas delegation led by senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, further intensified the coercive atmosphere. Lightstone’s aggressive push for concessions only heightened tensions, leading to the talks concluding without any agreement.
Even Egypt, a mediator, has reportedly succumbed to external pressures, urging Hamas to accept the proposal despite concerns that it may not serve Palestinian or Egyptian interests, reportedly to avoid “upsetting Trump.”
Reports suggest a revised version of the proposal envisages moving to talks on a second phase – including disarmament – as Israel begins implementing its obligations under the first phase. However, Hamas remains steadfast in its demand for firm guarantees of full Israeli compliance with the first phase before any discussion of a second phase, recognizing the Zionist regime’s history of deception and broken promises.
The Palestinian resistance will not be swayed by threats or deceptive proposals, standing firm in its commitment to protecting its people and their legitimate rights against ongoing Zionist aggression.
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